COP26 could be last chance for 'Brexit Boris' to bridge gaps

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has made much of his ambitions for "Global Britain" post-Brexit - yet the first fundamental test of his government's diplomatic prowess will be at the ongoing United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Scotland, amid alarming signs that the climate summit may be a bitter disappointment.

To deliver on the ambition of the occasion, which may become the largest UK-hosted international event, the host of COP26 would need to be a master of global diplomacy. It is therefore a tragedy that it is Johnson in power in London with a Cabinet that does not include many of the most able members of the ruling Conservative Party.

To be fair to UK ministers, including COP26 president Alok Sharma, London is aiming to be a world leader in carbon emissions reduction.